018_TTGB GREEN CORNER 5/11/08 13:41 Page 18
18 frontline frontline
greencorner
Green news in brief
Environmental news and innovations in green technology
Experts dismiss claim that corporates are
downgrading CSR policies to save money
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The CarbonNeutral Company has signed a
global deal with Carlson Wagonlit Travel to
provide emissions management services to its
clients. The tie-up enables CWT to upgrade its
Sustainable Solutions product to offer a pre-trip
carbon calculator and post-trip emissions reports.
David Tibbles, CWT’s global product director
environment, said: “Travel accounts for about
25% of our clients’ carbon footprint. This deal
will help us try and reduce the impact of their
travel on the environment.”
Sue Welland (pictured), founder and creative
director of The CarbonNeutral Company, said:
“Reducing corporate travel emissions makes
good business sense for the climate, the balance
sheet and a company’s reputation.”
HBAA director Peter Ducker and Radisson SAS’s Tim Cordon at Rezidor’s round-table debate
Finance bosses counting the cost
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Leading industry figures have rejected share prices have fallen dramatically. I’d be very
L50552
A survey of chief financial officers, by
a hotel study which provoked claims that worried if I had shares in a company that technology company Amadeus, found more than
business travellers are ignoring green issues started making cutbacks in its corporate social 50% are “not wholly convinced” by the benefits
because of the economic downturn. responsibility policy to save money. That could of green travel. The study – called cost control
Supranational Hotels, which conducted the have serious implications on the value and and beyond – surveyed CFOs in a number of
research, found that a growing “disinterest” in reputation of the business.” sectors in Europe, the US and Asia Pacific.
green issues by travellers means hotels will Tim Cordon, general manager of Radisson According to respondents, travel cost manage-
soon face a “reality check”. SAS Stansted airport, said the credit crunch ment has only made a “minimal contribution” to
But during a round-table debate in London, had not had an impact on his customers’ companies’ overall cost control programmes
held to mark hotel group Rezidor’s responsible attitudes towards the environment. since the start of the economic downturn.
business action month, key travel people “The CSR element of every request for Less than 40% said they were satisfied
rebuffed the report’s findings. proposal we receive is becoming increasingly with the savings delivered by their company’s
“I don’t believe anyone in the present crisis more detailed,” said Cordon. “They want more corporate travel programmes. One area they
would make a decision regarding hotel stays, or information about what steps hotels are taking believe requires more scrutiny is where green
any part of their business, based on solely to help them fulfil their CSR policies. Price will booking policies take precedence over cost.
financial or environmental objectives,” said always be an issue, but not at the total expense Paul Tilstone, chief executive of the Institute
Nigel Turner, Carlson Wagonlit Travel’s director of a company’s environmental responsibility.” of Travel Management, said he was “astounded”
of industry affairs. “In today’s corporate world Catherine Rubbens, Rezidor’s director of by the findings. “I can’t understand why green
both have to be taken into account.” responsible business, said: “Companies that travel isn’t seen as a concern while productivity
Gwyn Hughes, chairman of hotel rating have been talking the talk about sustainability is,” he said. “Both are linked when it comes to
company the Cranley Group, said: “A lot of and reducing energy consumption will soon video-conferencing – perhaps the CFO doesn’t
response in the market place in terms of share have to start walking the walk. But I don’t yet see this as connected to the travel process.
price is based on reputation. believe emphasis has been shifted because Not travelling has a direct impact on the
“We’ve seen that recently in the way banks’ of the economy.” company’s bottom line and the environment.”
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ttgbusiness.com a79 november 2008
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